Musical Heritage

As I look back over the years I can see how my passion for music has been fostered by adults in my life. To start with, my dad, who played a mandolin, in a Scandinavian church String Band. The leader of the String band Jennie Reese, was my mentor. I wrote about her in "A Gig to remember # 4". Next was a Fiddle Player in Ferryville Wisconsin by the name of Fey Allen. His daughter is still playing his music in that area.

I played Bass in an orchestra and in a Bluegrass band, but my first love has always been the acoustic guitar.

Last but not least, growing up in Chicago I was raised on Blues, Soul, and Classical Music with the Old Town School of Music thrown in the mix.

My regret is that I have not develop the playing skills that I should have. But, as I look back I am at the skill level of the my mentors, so that must mean I did not reach high enough, or it was not in me. My advice to young people, reach high and TAKE LESSIONS.